A bucket list is a collection of experiences you'd like to have during a certain period of your life. Erasmus is a chance to discover new cultures, meet people from around the world, and create memories that will stay with you long after your exchange ends.
Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your Erasmus experience.
1. Spend 24 Hours Speaking Only the Local Language
Challenge yourself to spend an entire day without speaking English or your native language. Order food, ask for directions, and talk to locals using only the local language. Don't worry about mistakes, the goal is simply to try. You might end up pointing at menu items, inventing hand gestures, or accidentally ordering something unexpected, but that's part of the experience.
2. Visit the Oldest Business in Town
Find one of the oldest businesses in your city, whether it's a bakery, bookstore, restaurant, or family-owned shop. Buy something small, look around, and see what has kept people coming back for decades. It's a great way to discover local history and explore places you might otherwise miss.
3. Cook a Local Recipe
Ask a local friend to share their favourite recipe and try cooking it yourself. For an extra challenge, read the recipe in the local language. Then share the result with friends and enjoy a taste of your host country.
4. Spend a Day Without Social Media
Leave your phone in your pocket and experience your city without checking notifications. Explore a new neighbourhood, visit a museum, or simply enjoy the moment in a café and watch the city go by. Sometimes the best memories are the ones you don't post online.
5. Have Dinner with Someone from a Country You've Never Visited
One of the best parts of Erasmus is meeting people from all over the world. Invite someone from a different country to have dinner, exchange stories, and learn about their culture. You might even make a lifelong friend.
6. Choose One Habit to Take Home
Living abroad often changes your routines. Maybe you've started cycling more, visiting museums, or spending more time outdoors. Pick one habit you'd like to keep when you return home.
7. Build Your Own Erasmus Museum
Collect small souvenirs throughout your exchange: a metro ticket, a concert wristband, a postcard, or a receipt from your favourite café. Years later, these simple objects will bring back great memories.
Erasmus goes by faster than you think. Years from now, you probably won't remember every lecture or assignment, but you'll remember the conversations, adventures, and unexpected moments that made your exchange unique. Try a few of these ideas, step outside your comfort zone, and make your exchange experience truly unforgettable.
